Monday, July 4

Today is Monday, July 4, 2022.  Enjoying the warm breeze and spending the day with family and friends.

A quote by Robert Alan.  “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.”

Photo by: Dovapi

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  For some, the first week of July is a holiday celebrated with friends and family.  For the beginning of July let’s explore ways to share our culture.  We can appreciate a culture by exploring its cuisine.

    • Research the history of a culture’s cuisine
    • Select a few recipes that you would like to experience
    • Visit a grocery store that specializes in ethnic foods
    • Host a dinner sharing the new recipes

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
    • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
    • Practice Physical grounding
      • When you are sitting in your chair take a few seconds to feel your feet on the ground, feel your buttock on the seat, feel your back against the chair.
      • As your feet are grounded, with each deep belly breathe out, allow your shoulders to release and loosen.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness and positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, September 17

Today is Friday, September 17, 2021. Holding hands. Present. Observing together.

A quote from Sally Ride, “Science is fun. Science is curiosity. We all have natural curiosity.”

Photos by: Susanna Chubinskaya, PhD

For many, September highlights the transitions of seasons and focus. When we approach transitions with curiosity, we have more options to find strength and joy.  Curiosity provides a great way to connect with others.

Get to know something new about someone you see often. This may be:

    • the name of the familiar person at the checkout counter,
    • your colleague’s favorite vacation,
    • a classmate’s favorite music or book,
    • your friend’s “perfect” day,
    • your family member’s proudest accomplishment.

You may even be curious about the “why” behind the answers.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me.  Together, we can do great things.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • Start every morning with a joke
  • Use that joke to anchor yourself during the day to stay connected to joy.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP